Daniel Orton appeared in 22 games and started four for the Sixers this season. (USA Today Images)

CLEVELAND — The Sixers announced prior to Tuesday night’s game against the Cavaliers that they waived center Daniel Orton.

The move was made ahead of the 5 p.m. deadline for contracts to be guaranteed for the rest of the season.

Orton, a first-round pick of the Magic in 2010, signed with Sixers in October after being waived by the Thunder.

“The program is at a stage where we’re trying to identify people to move forward with,” Sixers coach Brett Brown said. “We felt like we had a fair enough time to make a judgment on Daniel in relation to is he gonna fit into the long term.”

Brown said waiving Orton was the only move the Sixers made ahead of the 5 p.m. deadline.

Orton averaged 3 points and 2.8 rebounds, making four starts in 22 games for the Sixers this season.

The former University of Kentucky big man scored a season-high 10 points in 36 minutes during a loss to the Pacers on Nov. 23. He was suspended for one game in December for an altercation with Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard.

Brown said part of the move stemmed from the impending return of forward Arnett Moultrie, who’s been out all season after undergoing surgery on his left ankle in September.

“We have Arnett coming back, we’re playing a certain style and at this stage we decided it was best to let (Orton) find other opportunities as well,” Brown said.

Brown added that Moultrie is still “another few games” from coming back.

As for who will fill Orton’s roster spot, Brown said a decision hasn’t been made yet.

“We’ve said from Day 1, this whole thing is a sophisticated science project,” Brown said. “We’re moving slowly. Sam Hinkie is very calculated and deliberate with our approach. We’re gonna scour the world. Some of the foreign leagues will be shutting down soon and we’ll keep an eye on that. I think you’re gonna see a few people at times coming through our doors.”